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For the majority of the 2025 summer transfer window, Manchester United have been directing their attention towards signing attacking targets – more specifically strikers.
This can be seen through the signing of Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million from Wolves as well as the targeting of Brentford winger Bryan Mbuemo and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
However, with Gyokeres now looking less likely to sign for the Red Devils, the club may choose to turn to alternative targets.
Here are three strikers Manchester United may choose as a part of their summer transfer window.
Hugo Ekitike
The first name on our list is current Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike who can play both in a striker role and a left-winger role although spent the majority of the 2024-25 campaign in the striker position.
The 22 year old has impressed during the campaign with him scoring 15 goals and assisting on 8 occasions which has caught the eyes of many clubs including Manchester United who have made concrete efforts to try and sign the striker.
The Frenchman statistics from the 2024-25 season also offer an insight into the type of striker he is. Whilst he assisted on 8 occasions, he did this from an expected assist rate of 5.39 showing his ability to maximise his time with the ball.
This is further reinforced through the fact that he created 44 chances and executed 52 successful dribbles showing his ability to work with a team and push a team further up the field – making them more likely to score goals.
However, with spells in just France and Germany, he would be signing for an English club for the first time if he were to join Manchester United. This could have a negative impact due to the differences playing in front of an English crowd compared to a French or German crowd.
But, it could also have a positive impact if the 22 year old is able to thrive on the pressure that is created by playing in England.
With Liverpool and Chelsea also linked with the striker, he will be difficult to sign but that difficulty may reap it rewards with the process of time.
Victor Osimhen
The second option on our list is current Napoli striker Victor Osimhen who was on loan at Galatasaray during the 2024-25 season.
Just like Ekitike, Osimhen has been impressive during the campaign scoring 26 goals and assisting 5 times during the 30 games he played in the Super Lig.
Furthermore, with 138 shots and 57 of these on target, the 26 year old is a constant threat in and out of box. As well as this, with the striker winning 60.1% of his aerial duels, he is an aerial threat which is especially beneficial during set piece situations.
However, with a passing accuracy of 66.7%, the Nigerian can be seen to be more of a poacher like striker instead of a ball playing striker.
This is further reinforced with the fact that 118 of his 138 shots came from inside the box.
Similarly to Ekitike, there are also several clubs interested in the striker including Manchester United. This includes sides such as Liverpool and Galatasaray which makes gaining Osimhen’s signature even harder.
But, gaining his signature could be just what United need to improve the quality of their frontline and provide depth in an attacking sense.
Joao Pedro
The third and final option on our list is current Brighton striker Joao Pedro who scored 10 goals and contributed 6 assists during the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Unlike Ekitike and Osimhen, Pedro has experience playing in England due to his spells at Watford and Brighton and Hove Albion. This arguably means he is better prepared to play in front of an English crowd, more specifically the expectant Old Trafford faithful.
With the Brazilian international only having 47 shots during the season and scoring 9 times with these shots, he can be seen to be clinical with the ball in shooting situations.
As well as this, with 467 successful passes alongside the fact that he created 30 chances, Pedro holds the ability to create chances and push a team further up the field.
Furthermore, the fact that 133 touches in opposition boxes during the campaign show that he is a constant presence in the box and can put pressure on defenders and goalkeepers.
However, discipline can be seen to be a key weaknesses with the Brazilian picking up 4 yellow cards and 1 red card during the 2024-25 Premier League campaign. This creates unnecessary pressure for the Brighton man and even rules him out for games, which is key during a season where a team is aiming for European football.
But, with Newcastle and Chelsea also interested in the striker, the battle to earn the 23 year old’s signature is not any easier than our other two options but he could be the man that United need to offer both a goal-scoring ability and an ability to create chances for the team.
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